Poll: Do you contribute to Crowd Funding (like Kickstarter) Games?

[Rogue 9]

I've backed 22 kickstarter projects, 1 of which didn't make funding. Of the 21 that made funding, 11 of them are games (high profile ones like Double Fine Adventure, Project Eternity, Shadowrun Returns and Wasteland 2, as well as some lower profile ones like College Ruled Universe and Lilly Looking Through), 2 of them are Music projects, 3 of them film projects, 4 of them comic projects and a board game. I've also backed another 2 crowdfunding projects through IndieGoGo, both for webcomics.

I've sunk quite a lot of disposable income in kickstarter since I first found out about it in April last year, and I'm really starting to think I need to calm down, seeing as of the 19 projects that have been funded, only 6 of them have been fully realised. Some of the others I've received bonus backer rewards for, like posters and t-shirts and other paraphenalia, but that's still 13 still in progress, plus 3 more still in funding.

SHADOWRUN WHAT?! /runs off and googles

Edit: Holy fuck, I had no idea this existed. Damn but Kickstarter is making all my dreams come true!

Edit Edit: Also cheers for funding Shadowrun and Wasteland!

Hehe, you're welcome, although both went well over their initial goals so I can't exactly take all the credit =P I'm definitely looking forward to both of them, especially *squees* having my Wasteland 2 copy signed by Michael Stackpole.

This is my kickstarter profile if anyone's interested in what else I've backed... http://www.kickstarter.com/profile/313696874/

 

[C F]

No, and I probably won't, either.

If it gets funded, cool. If not, I lost nothing. If If barely makes it by the skin of its teeth and the anxious people were wondering why I didn't pitch in when they could have used it the most, I will admit to being a stingy mooch and probably buy the finished product from them.

A few exceptions would be official stuff that would realistically get funded without my help, but I as a huge nerd would love to get in on regardless. Stuff like a forum game six years ago [http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/257527888/bronycon-the-documentary]. Speaking of six, it happens to be the 6th highest funded Kickstarter campaign of all time. I am digressing horribly).

 

[tautologico]

Yes, I did contribute to many Kickstarter projects. There's always a risk but in all cases I thought the small amount pledged was more than worth for the possibility of getting something we wouldn't get otherwise.

In the case of Double Fine Adventure, the parts of the documentary already released and the developer diaries already justify the money I spent on the project. If the game is good, all the better.

 

[hazabaza1]

I did for project eternity. Seems like it'll be a good game, and I got it for much cheaper than it'll be on release.

 

[Ultra Man30]

I only contributed to the Homestuck game to get the game for the price I donated when it comes out.

 

[DoPo]

I would if there was a way to pay for them outside the US that didn't involve paypal.

I paid through Amazon. Actually PayPal wasn't even an option. Well, Project Eternity had the PayPal donations running parallel but it wasn't an option through KS.

I don't know if that actually helps, though,

 

[l0ckd0wn]

The only kickstarter that I wanted to give to ended it's run before I knew about it. That kickstarter was for Carmageddon!

I actually really, really want to play this game again, it was super fun the first time and I hope they cling to that and never let go...

captcha: abra cadabra CARMAGEDDON COMETH!

 

[Lyri]

Honestly, no and I won't.

I have no desire to back a game based on what people say they will do with it, look at what Peter Molenyuex was like with his pitches.
Investing in a product means I like it and whilst it's all well and good that I could like what you say, it may not always become the end result.

Too many variables in video games for me to really get behind one without it being more or less complete.

 

[Frankster]

As you say its very much a leap of faith but at same time, you do sometimes find interesting projects you wish to help contribute.

In my case backed Conquistadores expeditions for its setting (criminally unexplored imo) and its rpgness+random events seduced me enough that i was willing to take a chance on it.
Kickstarter succeeded (although alas stretch goals weren't met) and teams been releasing betas and what not in meantime so am reasonably sure they aint just twiddling their thumbs.

Am considering backing M.O.R.E as i would love to see more 4X strategy games, especially a moo2 succesor but the guy presenting the vid somewhat turned me off (even though everything about the game seems legit), 5 days to go left for that one so still got time to change my mind if i wanna take a gamble on it.

I guess i like to consider myself a patron of the (gaming) arts, were i richer id just lie on my roman style bed and have audiences of devs visiting me to convince me to separate me from my familys ill gotten fortune from the stock markets or w/e.

 

[RedDeadFred]

I don't ever pre-order games because I never know if it might turn out that they're shit. So there's know way that I would ever invest money into a game that's not even close to being finished and might turn out to be shit.

 

[Damnoz]

Planetary Annihilation. Yep

 

[Beffudled Sheep_v1legacy]

No but I really wish I could. Sadly my financial situation leaves me unable to commit as little as 5 bucks. I literally need every dollar for gas and food (fortunately no rent or utilities because my gparents are awesome and loving).

But once I start picking up more money I will try to contribute what I can.

 

[Spitfire]

No, I haven't, because I've yet to see a crowd-funded game that I'm remotely interested in playing, with the possible exception of Wasteland 2, the Kickstarter for which ended long before I took notice of it. That being said, I'm very supportive of the idea of crowd-funding, and I would seriously consider investing money in the development of a game that I believe in.

 

[triggrhappy94]

I'm not really familiar with the ends and outs of the kickstarter program, but I won't.
I'd really rather invest and have some control in the project--like venture capital--rather than just throwing money at something.

 

[RJ Dalton]

I would if I had money.

 

[AnotherAvatar]

I'm not really familiar with the ends and outs of the kickstarter program, but I won't.
I'd really rather invest and have some control in the project--like venture capital--rather than just throwing money at something.

Glaring flaw in this logic: You're already throwing money at every game you buy, and you never get any say in it anyway...

Ever Pre-order?

Also, you'd be surprised how into getting fan requests most the kickstarters are, I know Obsidian has really taken to their forums to hear what we want. You get a lot more of a say than you think... That said, I mean do you, specifically you sir, know anything about game development? Perhaps leaving it to experts and veterans isn't terrible, so long as it's a group you know and trust. Like I'd never pitch in on a Peter Molyneux because I know he talks a load of crap, but if Rockstar were to ask for cash (for some reason I couldn't even fathom given they are their own publisher) then I wouldn't even think twice about it.

 

[Eclectic Dreck]

No, I do not for a number of reasons. First, I am not in the habit of paying for promises; were it different I'd be a banker or perhaps a loan shark. Second, I'm of the opinion the market should reward good works. Inviting said market into the design process by process of paying for ideas and promises is folly because the only thing they market knows they want is "that other thing they liked"; iteration is the only progress that can be made in such a scheme and that process is well served by the current industry model. Third, by lending support to a promise I have a vested interest in said product and if it turns out to be bad (or non-existent), I have good cause to be upset. The current model requires no such emotional or fiscal investment on my part.

 

[Vausch]

I haven't really heard of any games that brought about and interest from me.